For now, you can look at a brochure put out by Anthony Crook while still a dealer of Bristol. This lists the specifications of all models up to the 407.
Specifications Bristol 400 - 407 pdf (1.75Mb) - Anthony Crook Motors
Factory specifications for other models are found under the catalogue collection.
"How to Build a Poly 318 Motor" - 1962 to 1965 Mopars Site
"Directional Indicators" - Shawn Thomas for BoA Newsletter
"Bristol Parts" - Shawn Thomas for BoA Newsletter
"Oil Coolers" - Shawn Thomas for BoA Newsletter
"Arnolt-Bristol Toolkit" - Clark Thompson
Carter AFB Tuning Guide (2Mb) - Federal Mogul
Arnolt-Bristol Spares Handbook - 1956The BOC have released a two CD set that contains back issues of the Bristol Bulletins over the life of the Club. If you join the BOC you will be able to purchase this CD.
Bristol V8 engined cars use Chrysler engines and transmissions. Therefore, asking your parts counter guy for the right Chrysler part can get you back on the road a little easier. Don't waste your time asking about Bristol models, it will cause confusion and waste your time. Best option is to bring in the old part and compare with what comes out of the box. For suspension, electrics, brakes, etc., the specialist "speed" shops tend to be a better bet for generic parts that will work.
Chrysler used most engines across model ranges and engaged in plenty of brand engineering. Therefore, the Plymouth, Dodge, Chrysler or Jeep vehicle probably have the same engines in the same model size. For one reason or another, I usually ask for the Plymouth model. Why? Well, hard to believe as it is, the engines Bristol fitted tended to be the smaller, work horse engines. Plymouth was the bargain brand of the Chrysler group. For example, the 318 fitted to the Bristol 603E is not found on any Chrysler but Dodge and Plymouth used the engine.
For the Bristol 603E I usually ask for engine parts from a 1977 Plymouth Gran Fury with a 318 engine. Now, this is not fool proof. Bristol removed almost all of the smog gear and ancilliaries like heating, cooling and electrics (in part) are unique to Bristol. But this engine was in production from 1972 to 1985 and was mostly unchanged during that time. The 1986 to 1992 are also pretty similar engines. For the 360 engines fitted to 603S and the Brittannia family you might end up have to ask for a Dodge Ram truck as no passenger car was fitted with the 360 for a number of years in the 80's. The Blenheim uses the Magnum 360 engines found in Jeep Grand Cherokees and Dodge Ram trucks.
For the Bristol 409, I usually ask for a 1964 or 1965 Plymouth Sport Fury. Don't ask for a 1967 because Chrysler made the switch to the LA engine in 1966/1967. You will also notice that almost no one stocks engine parts for those cars - that's how you'll know you're on to the right model . . . For the transmission, ask for an even earlier model, like a 1963. Chrysler stopped making the push-button in 1964 I believe. The earlier 313 engine from the 407 and 408 is an odd ball and was a Canada only model.